Yellowstone National Park saw visitation decline again in August 2026, according to new statistics released by the National Park Service. The park recorded 856,467 recreation visits during the month, representing a 3% decrease from the 881,936 visits recorded in August 2025.
August also remained well below the extraordinary visitation levels seen during Yellowstone’s record-breaking 2021 season. This year’s August total was 7% lower than the 921,844 recreation visits recorded during August 2021, which remains the busiest August in park history.
The numbers come as the park continues to attract millions of visitors each year, with popular destinations including Old Faithful regularly drawing large crowds during the summer months.
Yellowstone Visitation Down 2% in 2026
Through the end of August, Yellowstone has recorded 3,491,850 recreation visits in 2026. That represents a 2% decline from the 3,547,967 visits recorded during the same period in 2025.
The 2026 year-to-date total is also 3 percent below 2021, when Yellowstone recorded 3,590,609 visits through August.
Despite the recent declines, this year’s visitation remains relatively consistent with several recent seasons. The park recorded 3,494,350 visits through August 2024 and 3,308,924 during the same period in 2023.
The 2022 total was substantially lower at 2,437,607 visits through August. That season was heavily affected by a historic flood that closed Yellowstone from June 13th through June 21st before three entrances reopened on June 22nd.
Yellowstone Remains a Major Summer Destination
The latest figures show that Yellowstone continues to experience extremely high visitation despite modest declines from recent peak years.
The National Park Service is encouraging visitors planning trips to the park to prepare ahead of time, follow park safety guidance and act responsibly while visiting.
The NPS also recommends reviewing its visitor information and using the free NPS app before arriving. Visitors can also take the Yellowstone Pledge, which encourages responsible behavior and helps protect the park’s natural resources and other visitors.
The National Park Service released the August visitation statistics on September 15th, 2026. More detailed Yellowstone visitation data is available through the NPS Stats website.